Supporting and conveying apparatus.



Nol mosa. PATLN'ILI NOV. 2O, 199g:- H. L. HOLLIS.

SUPPORTING AND CONVEYING APPARATUS. f r APPLIOATION PILPD MAY22.1OOO. f

2 SHEETS-SVM 1.

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- y I- I', f A Iv f Y f I A f v THE MORRIS PETERS C0.. WASHINGTON. D. C.

y2'5 i g. plates andfclamping means iurnnA STATES rarianfr OFFICE.

HENRY L. HOLLIS, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS..

SUPPORTING AND CONVEYING APPARATUS.

Specification of Letters Patent.'

Patented Nov. 26, 1907.

Appiimiou filed May 22, 1906. serai No. 318,174.

conveying mechanism for use in electrolytic work for conveying plates to' be treated from i one position to another.

In my copending application, Serial No. 318,173, filed May 22, 1906, I have described a process for electrolytically. tin-plating iron sheets, and my resent invention is fpal'- ticularadaptabi ity for holding the lates to 'be treated in proper arrangement an l for conveying them to and -ftomthe e;;ctrolytic .iff tank. A number of the plates to be treated is 4'first stacked in a rack frame and then v.a

gripping frame forming part-ofthe 'conveying apparatus is`brought lnto'posltion over the brought into i' clamping-*engagementwith the individual V.so

plates, whereupon the gripping rack with the supporting plates is raised by suitable tackle mechanism and conveyed on a trackwayv to a position above the electrolytic'tankawhereupon'the plates to be treated may belowered .in-proper position with-'respect to the yother plates in the tank.: Supporting and guiding l means are also provided on the gripping fra-me which engage about the plates to be treated to hold them in proper spacing when removed from the rack and when inserted into position between the other plates in the plating tank.

My invention will be best understood when i r describedy with reference. to the.accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a view showing the rack frame and intermediate tank and the plating tank with the gripping frame supported from the trackway. Fig. 2 is a top view of the gripping frame. Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken on ine 3 3 of Fig. 2, the separator frames being omitted. Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on linee- 4 of Fig. 2, showin the disposition of the separator frames wit respect to the plates to -be treated. Fi 5 is a top view of the assemblingr rack, an Fig..6 is an enlarged detail view of the clamping arrangement and the releasing mechanism therefor.

i plurality The assembling rack 1a comprises the base 1, the-side walls 2 and 3 and the diagonal supporting pieces 4 and 5 and the transverse top end pieces 6 and 7. Supported at the tops of the sides and extending inwardly are the shelves 8 and 9 provided with equal" y spaced slots 10-10 of suflicient width to receive the iron sheets to be treated. Extending upwardly from the base are also the guide rod pairs ll-ll, the interstices between the guide rods being in alinement with the slots `in the shelves. The rack may be constructed for the reception of'any number of sheets which are stacked in a vertical row as shown in Fig. 5.

The gripping` frame has a rectangular top frame 12 which may be of angle iron as shown, and extending upwardly from the corners. thereof and diagonally across this frame are the rods 13 and 14 at whosentersection is secured an eye or hook 14. Ex-

tending transversely across the frame area of clamp supporting frames 15, which frames may be U rods supported from hooks or hangers 16 engaging the angle iron.

.To the underside of these clamping frames are a plurality of clamping mechanisms, each comprising a stationary jaw member 17 and a movable jaw member 18. Extending throughv all'the jaw members is a releasing rod 19 having at its end a head 20. Encircling the rod 'are a plurality of springs 21,

there being a .Spring between each movable jaw member and the adjacent stationary member, the tendency of the springs being `to force the movable jaw member against the lnext adjacent stationary member. Su ported from the clam ing frame adjacent t e ead 20 is a bearing ame 22 in whose lower end is pivoted the cam 23 from which extends the actuating arm 24. Extending through the releasing rod are a plurality of pins 25, each engaging with one of the movable clam ing jaws.

Normally the actuating levers are in their up er position and the cam in osition to ho d the rod to one side whereby the movable jaws are held away from the stationary jaw members. The spacing of the jaw openings on the gripping rods is equal to that of the sheets in the assembling rod,'and when the gripping structure is placed in pro er position over the rack the top edges of t esheets therein will engage in the jaw openings and upon turning of the levers to release the rods the springs' 21 becomeVeectivekto close the jaws together and the sheets will be securely gripped in the jaws, even though the sheets are not of uniform thickness. As there is considerable weight to the gripping structure tackle mechanism and trackways are preferably provided for transporting this structure from one place to another, and Fig. 1 is shown tackle mechanism 26 whose one pulley block may hook into the supporting ring at the top of the gripping structure and whose other pulley is provided with the wheel 27 for engaging the trackway 28.

At the corners of the rack frame are the openings 29 into which pass the guide rods 30 extending downwardlyr from the anglebar frame of the gripping structure, and when bv means of the tackle mechanism and trac way the gripping structure is brought into osition over the rack the guide rods. pass into the guide openings, whereupon the open jaws will be in position to receive the upper edges of the plates, and when the leversare then actuated the jaws will rmly close over the plates, and when the gripping structure is again removed from the assembly rack the plates will be carried therewith. The gripping structure with the plates may then be conveyedanfd dipped intointermediate tanks 1h or may be conveyed directly to the electmlytic plating tank 1, this plating tank, as shown in the copending app ication referred to, having suspended therein a plurality of plates 31 which are spaced as shown in Fig. 4, each plate having also a terminal lug 32, which lugs are all adapted for connection with one terminal of a source of current 33. The dplllates to be treated, as stated in said copen g application, should be disposed between the p ates 31, but care must be taken that they be guided properly into position without undue contact-therewith, and for this purpose separating and guiding mechanism is provided, as best shown in Figs. 1, 2 and particularly Fig. 4.

Extending across the angle iron frame of the gripping structure are 'the blocks or bars 34 whlc in their sides are provided with slots or grooves 35-'35, and in said grooves are inserted the upper ends of bars or guide rods 36 and 37, these rods being further held in place by side straps 38 secured to the blocks 34. Extending inwardly from each pair of rods are the insulating studs 39, which are in such position that the plates in the assembly rack pass between them whenthe gripping structure is lowered, one of the plates assing upwardly between each pair of gui e rods and between the insulating studs thereon and the plates are' then held midway between the gu1de rods of the pairs. The distance between the outer faces of the guide rod pairs is e ual to the distance between the plates in t e plating tank, and the lower ends of the rods of each pair are slightly turned inwardly, as shown in Fig. 4, so that whenthe gripping structure is brought into position over the plating tank the rods of each pair will be properly guided between the plates 31 in the tank, and the lates to be treated held within the pairs will) assume a middle position between the lates in the tank. The other terminal of the supply source is connected with the angle bar frame of the gripping structure, as shown in Fig. 1, and the current from this terminal is led through the gripping frames to the j aw members and plates supported thereby, wire connectors 40 extending between the gripping frames and the jaw members to insure good electrical passageway for the current to the plates4 The supporting blocks 34, however, are of insulating material such as wood, whereby to prevent current flow to the guide rods 36 .and 37, or these rods may be insulated in some other manner from the supporting blocks. The insulating studs 39 also prevent current flow to these guiding rods 'from the plates to be treated, and therefore the current flow between'the terminals on the plates 31 and the plates to be treated must be through the electrolyte, the plating metal, of course, being suitably connected in circuit, for instance, as shown in the copending application referred to.

With this improved assembling, supporting and conveying apparatus sheets of metal can be quickly and readily manipulated, the plates to be treated being first stacked in the assembling rack, as before described, whereupon 'the gripping structure with the separat- 'ing frames lowered thereon and the plates clamped by the clamping jaws, whereupon by means of the tackle mechanism and trackway the suspended plates may be raised with the gripping structure and easily conveyed and dipped into intermediary tanks and finally dipped into the plating tank, there be- 'ing always assurance that the parts are in proper position and that short circuits will not occur.

I do not wish to be limited to the adaptation of my invention to supporting and conveying sheets to be treated according to the process outlined in thereferred to applicaf tion, as my invention willbe readily adaptable for any other process where sheets are to be treated. The construction and arrangement of the various parts also may be readily changed without departing from the scope or s )irit of my invention. I do not wish to be limited to the disclosure herein made.

What I claim as new, however, and desire trolling the actuation rof said jaws and conl a plurality of gripping frames thereon, individual clamping mechanisms supported from 'said clamping frames, conveying mechanism for conveying the clamping frames whereby said individual clamping mechanisms may be brought into position over a plurality of plates to be suspended, and common mean; for ca using simultaneous actuation of the clamping mechanism to each engage and grasp one of said plates whereby upon further conveyance of the gripping structure said plates will be carried therewith.

3. In mechanism of the class described, the combination with a gripping structure, of conveying mechanism for conveying said structure from one position to another, individu al clamping mechanisms supported from said structure, and common means for simultaneously opening and for closing said clamping mechanisms wherebyA objects may be clamped therein to be conveyed with the structure and to be released therefrom.

4. In mechanism of the class described, the combination-.with a frame, of a plurality of clamping mechanisms supported therefrom, means for normally holdin?r said clamping mechanisms in an open con ition whereby they may receive objects to be supported, and common means adapted upon actuation to simultaneously close all thel clamping mechanisms whereby the objects are clamped. y y

5. In combination, an assembly rack adapted to receive and to hold a plurality of plates, a frame, conveying mechanism forconveying said frame from one position to another, clamping mechanisms supported from said frame and spaced in accordance with the spacing of the lates in the rack, common means for simu taneously opening the clamping mechanisms when brought into position over the plates, and means for closing the clamping mechanisms after the plates have been received thereby.

6. In combination, an assembly rackadapted to receive and to hold a plurality of plates, a frame, conveying mechanism for conveying said frame from one position to another, clamping mechanisms supported from said frame and spaced in accordance with the spacin of the plates in the rack, means adapted 1n one position to hold the clamping mechanisms open whereby they may receive the plates and adapted when brought into another position to allow closure of the clamping mechanisms to clamp the plates received thereby whereby upon moving of the frame said plates will be carried therewith.

7. In combination, a rack adapted for receiving and supportin metallic plates, of a frame, conveying mec anism for conveying said frame from one position to another and for lowering and raising said frame, clamping mechanisms supported from said frame and spaced in accordance with the spacing of the-plates in the rack, spring mechanism tending to close the clamping mechanisms, and means for normally preventing closure of the clamping mechanisms .whereby said mechanisms may receive the plates when the frame islowered over said plates, said means when released allowing actuation of the spring mechanisms to close the clamping mechanisms to securely hold the plates therein, whereby said plates will be carried with the frame upon further travel thereof.

.8. In combination, an electrolytic bath in which are immersed a plurality of plates forming one electrode, of a supporting frame, means for suspending from said supporting frame a plurality of plates to be inserted between the plates in the bath and forming the other electrode, and guide rods disposed at each side of the plate in the frame to guide said plates between the plates in the bath, said guide rods being insulated from said plates.

9. In combination, an electrolytic bath in` mechanism for conveying said frame to a position over the bath and for allowing said frame to be lowered, said guide rods causing the plates on the frame to be guided to assume an intermediary position between the various plates inthe bath, said guide rods being insulated from the plates.

:10. In combination, an electrolytic bath in which areV immersed. plates forming one electrode, of a frame, clamping mechanisms on' saidframe for receiving and holding plates to be suspended between the plates in the bath, ide rods extending from said frame and isposed at each side of the plates suspended therefrom, conveying mechanism for conveyin said frame to a. position over the bath an for allowing said frame to be lowered, said guide rods causing the plates on the frame "to be guided to assume an intermediary position between the various plates in the bath, said guide rods being insulated from the plates, and common releasing means adapted upon actuation to simultaneously release the plates from the frame.

11. In mechanism of the class described, the combination with aplurality of gripping jaws, of common means for simultaneously opening said jaws, and individual spring mechanism for each of said aws for closingl i said jaws together.

12. In mechanism of the class described, the combination with a plurality of stationary jaws, of a movable jaw associated with each of said stationary jaws to form gripping means, common means for simultaneously separating said movable jaws from said sta tionary jaws, and individual spring mechanism tending to close said movable. jaws 4and said stationary jaws together.

13. In mechanism of the class described, the combination with a main supporting frame, of a pluralityof jaws secured to said frame, a movable jaw associated with each of said stationary jaws, spring mechanism for each pair of jaws tending to close the associated jaws together, and common releasing means for simultaneously opening all of said jaws.

14. In mechanism of the class described,4

the combination with a plurality of aw members, of stationary j aw members, a movable jaw member associated with each of said stationary jaw members, spring mechanism fon each of said movable jaw members tending to close said movable jaw members and their associated stationary jaw members together, and common means for simultaneously separating said movable jaw members from the associated stationary jaw members.

15. In mechanism of the class described, the combinationwith a plurality of station` ary jaw members, of a movable jaw member associated with each of said stationary jaw members to form gripping means, spring mechanism tending -to maintain enga ement' of said stationary and said movab e jaw members, and releasing means acting in op osition to said spring mechanism for simulltaneously separating said movable jaw' memers from their associated stationary memers.

16. In mechanism of the class described, the combination with a main supporting frame, of a plurality of stationary jaw members secured to said Jframe, an actuating rod mounted in said stationary jaw members, a movable jaw member mounted on said rod and associated with each of said stationary members to form a gri ping jaw spring mechanism tending to c ose said gripping jaws together, and means whereby said actuating rod may engage all said movable jaw members when actuated in opposition to said spring mechanism to simultaneously open all of said gripping jaws.

17. In mechanism of the class described, the combination with a main supporting frame, of a plurality of stationary jaw members disposed in alinement and secured to said frame, an actuating rod mounted in said stationary jaw members, a movable jaw member mounted on said rod and associated with each of said stationary jaw members to form gripping jaws, individual spring means for each of said movable jaws tending to close said gripping 'aws, an engaging stud on said actuating rod ior engaging said movable j aw member when said rod is actuated in opposition to said spring mechanism whereby said gripping jaws are opened, and cam mfchanism for causing the actuation of said ro 18. In mechanism of the class described, the combination with a main supporting frame, of a plurality of stationary jaw mem bers disposed in alinement and secured to said frame, an actuating rod mounted in said stationary jaw members, a movable jaw member mounted on said rod and associated with each of said stationary jaw members to form gripping jaws, individual spring means for each of said movable jaws tending to close said'gripping jaws, an engaging stud on said actuating rod for engaging said movable jaw-member when said rod is actuated in opposition to said spring mechanism whereby said gripping jaws are opened, a pivoted cam engaging the end of said rod and adapted upon its rotation to actuate said rod, and a lever for said pivoted cam whereby said cam may be operated.

19. 4In combination,an electrolytic bath in which are immersed a plurality of plates forming one electrode, of a supporting frame, a plurality of gripping jaws, individual means for each of said gripping jaws for closing said jaws together, connnon means for simultane ously opening all of said gripping jaws, said gripping jaws being adapted to supportaplurality of plates to be inserted between the plates in the bath and forming the other electrode, and guide rods disposed at each side of the plates m the frame to guide said plates between the plates in the bath, said guide rods being insulated from said plates.

In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name this 12th day of May A. D., 1906..

HENRY L. HOLLIS.

Witnesses CHARLES J. SCHMLDT, ARTHUR H. BoE'r'roI-IER. 

